MODEL HISTORY
For many people, the DB5 remains the definitive classic Aston Martin, despite being in production for only two years. Its immediate predecessor was the DB4, which had been launched in 1958 and featured a new styling direction courtesy of Touring of Milan. It was also built using Touring's lightweight Superleggera construction method, while beneath the bonnet was a new twin-cam, six-cylinder engine designed by Tadek Marek.
The DB5 was launched at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, and while the new model looked almost indistinguishable from the last of the DB4s, it featured numerous refinements. Most significantly, the engine had been bored-out from 3670cc to 3995cc, while a five-speed gearbox replaced the old four-speeder early in production. A Borg Warner automatic transmission was also offered.
In standard form, the engine featured SU carburettors and produced in the region of 280bhp. From September 1964 onwards, however, a Vantage option was offered. With three Weber carburettors, altered camshaft timing and larger ports, this engine gave more than 300bhp.
When Autocar tested a DB5 in the autumn of 1964, it recorded a top speed of 140mph and a 0-60mph time of 8.1 seconds. It also noted how easily and comfortably the DB5 would cruise at speeds in excess of 100mph and concluded that it 'ranks in the very top bracket of the world's high-performance cars.'
Motor magazine reached 145mph with its test car, a speed that it had bettered only with the Jaguar E-type and Chevrolet Corvette. In terms of the DB5's handling, it noted that 'straight-line stability and cornering both reach the high standards expected from Aston Martin with their illustrious competition record.'
DB5 production totalled 1021 of all types before it was replaced in autumn 1965 by the longer-wheelbase DB6.
ENQUIRE NOW
Name *
Email Address *
Please provide any additional details for your enquiry
Phone *
Tick Box
Please tick this box if don't want us to use your information
Send Message
Please do not fill in this field.
- FuelElectric
- Body Types
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Exterior Colour
- Number of doors
